Illuminated snowboard railway track

ABSTRACT

An internally illuminated snowboard track for recreational areas or parks which are operated at night is made up of a continuous elongated transparent rail which is supported a predetermined distance above the ground by a base support member, and a light source extends longitudinally and internally of the rail to project light outwardly therefrom. A base stabilizer beneath the support member can either be planted in the snow or anchored to the ground surface in the track system may be inclined, curved, straight or provided with one or more bends. A snowboard ramp may be constructed in the same basic manner to serve as a jump for snowboarders.

BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to snowboard track systems and more particularly relates to a novel and improved internally illuminated and elevated railway track for snowboarding and skiing.

[0002] Snowboard terrain parks which are operated at night are becoming increasingly popular. Presently, there is a need for a track system and for snowboard or ski jumps for such parks which can be internally illuminated and easily installed and operated with a minimum amount of maintenance and supervision.

[0003] Previously, portable skating rails have been devised for skateboards and in-line skates which are made up of a modular series of square or tubular rails that are joined together by connectors and are supported on the ground surface by spaced support columns, for example, as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,412 to R. Levanas. Other patents are of interest for disclosing lighting apparatus for handrails and other tubular structure including U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,190,085 to J. K. Johansson, 5,708,749 to N. P. Kacheria and 5,450,299 to D. Lepre. U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,480 to R. Labelson discloses a skateboard ramp. Nevertheless, I am not aware of any prior development of an internally illuminated and elevated rail or ramp having a cross-sectional configuration and surface designed for snowboarding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide for a novel and improved snowboard track system.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide for an internally illuminated and elevated rail for snowboarding when the rail can be curved, inclined or straight or a combination of same and is readily conformable for use on different terrain.

[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a novel and improved internally illuminated and elevated railway track system having a continuous base or ground support which is extremely durable, simplified and easy to install for use on different terrain.

[0007] It is an additional object of the present invention to provide for a novel and improved snowboard jump which is internally illuminated and has a textured surface to provide the optimum coefficient of friction for snowboard jumping.

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, there has been devised an illuminated snowboard track comprising a continuous elongated transparent rail, base support means for supporting the rail above a ground surface, and illuminating means extending longitudinally and internally of the rail for projecting light outwardly therefrom. Most desirably, the base support means is in the form of a substantially continuous upright support member and a lateral stabilizer beneath the support member including transverse ground support members spaced along the length of the support. The rail itself is transparent and provided with a substantially flat textured riding surface for the snowboard. The illuminating means may take the form of elongated flexible neon or fluorescent tubing with a low voltage light source. The track may be inclined, curved, straight or formed with one or more bends. Furthermore, the track system of the present invention lends itself well to utilization as a snowboard jump provided with a broader rail riding surface and spaced apart base support members on opposite sides of the rail.

[0009] There has been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred form of track system in accordance with the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken about lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred form of track system;

[0013]FIG. 4 illustrates various track configurations in accordance with the present invention; and

[0014]FIG. 5 illustrates a snowboard jump in accordance with the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken about lines 6-6 of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016] Referring in detail to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 a preferred form of snowboard track system 10 comprising a transparent or translucent rail 12 including an inclined section 13 and level section 14 mounted on base support means generally designated at 16.

[0017] The rail 12 is preferably composed of a transparent or translucent material, such as, polycarbonate and has a generally I-shaped cross-section. Thus, as best seen from FIG. 2, the rail has laterally spaced upright walls 18 extending between top and bottom horizontal flange surfaces 20 and 21, respectively. The top flange 20 has an upper textured riding surface 22 for the snowboard and may be about 4″ in width. The base support means includes an upright continuous support panel 24 on the order of 2′ to 8′ high mounted by suitable fasteners 25 on a base plate or lateral stabilizer 26; and the base plate 26 may be further stabilized by transverse support members 28 at spaced intervals along the length of the track system and suitable fasteners 30 connect the base plate 26 to the cross members 28.

[0018] Preferably, the walls 18 of the rail 12 define a central channel or cavity 32 into which is inserted the upper end 34 of the support panel 24 and is permanently fastened to the lower flanges 21 by fasteners 36 at longitudinally spaced intervals along the rail. Although not shown, the cross members 28 may be staked or otherwise anchored to the ground surface to complete the installation of the track system.

[0019] The top surface of the rail is textured as represented at 22 to produce the desired friction and may be textured in different ways depending on the composition of the surface and degree of incline. For example, plastic surfaces may be textured simply by roughening or by adhering a granular material to the surface.

[0020] The preferred form of track may be modular; i.e., formed in sections as indicated by the section lines S between the rails 13 and 14, S′ between the upright supports 24 and S″ between the base plates 26. Typically, in a snow terrain park, different grades are provided so that the track system should be contoured to match the existing landscape. Utilization of a broad base plate 26 which is approximately three times the width of the rail 12 achieves maximum lateral stability with minimum snow coverage. Additional lateral stability is achieved with the cross members 28.

[0021] One suitable form of lighting or illumination means is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 and is a standard lighting system which employs neon tubing 40 which runs the length of the rail 12, there being a low to high voltage converter 42 illustrated in FIG. 3 connected to a power line 44 from a low voltage electrical power source, not shown. Special wire with H/V insulation as represented at 46 extends from the converter 42 to both ends of the tubing 40 and insulating caps 48 are mounted on the end of the tubing 40. The long return wire is enclosed by a cover designated at 50. The converter and connection to incoming power cable is enclosed by a ½″ thick plastic cover 51. The tubing 40 runs the length of the channel 32 and is supported at spaced intervals by suitable fasteners 54 extending upwardly from the upper end of the support member 24. In accordance with conventional practice, the power supply should have ground fault protection (GFCI) as used in bathroom outlets and otherwise should comply with UL requirements for neon signs. For the purpose of illustration but not limitation, a 10,000V power supply, 5.5 KV RMS will light about 40′ of 12 mm. tubing or 46′ of 13 mm. tubing. The light will project outwardly through the body of the rail but will not be so intense as to produce a light glare to a snowboarder riding along the rail surface. Thus, the entire track or railway will be illuminated to guide the snowboarder in traversing the entire length of the railway. It will be evident that other standard light sources may be employed, such as, fluorescent tubing or fiber optic cables.

[0022]FIG. 4 schematically illustrates representative track layouts made up of the preferred form of track system 10 utilizing support members 24 corresponding to those utilized in the preferred form of FIGS. 1 to 3 but in different configurations to match the contour of the rail 12. Thus, a horizontal track system is illustrated at T₁, combination horizontal and inclined track system at T₂, T₃ and T₄, and a convex track system at T₅.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MODIFIED FORM OF INVENTION

[0023]FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a snowboard or ski jump which incorporates the basic construction of my preferred form of invention and wherein like parts are correspondingly enumerated with prime numerals. Accordingly, the track 10′ comprises a wide rail 12′ made up of upper and lower spaced flanges or plates 20′ and 21′ connected at their opposed lateral edges to spaced support columns 24′ by suitable fasteners 36′. The support columns 24′ are each of generally triangular configuration so as to define the desired slope or incline for the snowboard jump and typically would increase from base 62 to a maximum height on the order of 2′ to 8′ . Each support column 24′ has a base plate 26′ and common cross members 28′ at the base and raised end of the jump, as best seen from FIG. 5. As in the preferred form, the cross members 28′ may be staked or otherwise anchored to the terrain or ground surface.

[0024] The upper riding surface 22′ of the rail 12′ may be textured as shown to establish the desired coefficient of friction on the surface. Typically, however, the riding surface would be left relatively slippery compared to that of the preferred form so as to permit greater acceleration for the snowboarder.

[0025] The snowboard jump or ramp is best utilized in areas having an existing snow pack so that a runway may be easily formed into the jump at the top of a hill, and a landing area may be provided at the lower end of the jump.

[0026] Any dimensions or angles given herein are for the purpose if illustration and not limitation. Similarly, the track system configurations of FIG. 4 are more for the purpose of illustration only; and the same is true of the internal lighting system disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5.

[0027] It is therefore to be understood that while preferred and modified forms of invention are herein set forth and described, the above and other modifications may be made in the composition of materials as well as construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims and reasonable equivalents thereof. 

I claim:
 1. An illuminated snowboard track comprising: a continuous elongated transparent rail; base support means for supporting said rail above a ground surface; and illuminating means extending longitudinally through the interior of said rail for projecting light outwardly from said rail.
 2. An illuminated snowboard track according to claim 1 wherein said base support means includes a substantially continuous, upright support member and a lateral stabilizer member.
 3. An illuminated snowboard track according to claim 2 wherein said upright support member is in the form of a continuous panel.
 4. An illuminated snowboard track according to claim 2 wherein said lateral stabilizer is defined by a horizontal flange extending beneath said support member.
 5. An illuminated snowboard track according to claim 2 wherein a plurality of transverse ground support members are spaced along the length of said upright support.
 6. An illuminated snowboard track according to claim 1 wherein said rail is in the form of an I-beam and said illuminating means is in the form of an elongated light-emitting element 5 extending through a central cavity in said rail.
 7. An illuminated snowboard track according to claim 6 wherein said element is fluorescent tubing.
 8. An illuminated snowboard track according to claim 5 wherein said element is neon tubing.
 9. An illuminated snowboard track according to claim 1 wherein said rail has an upper flat, textured surface.
 10. An illuminated snowboard track comprising: a continuous elongated transparent rail having a substantially flat upper surface; a continuous base support member extending beneath said rail; and illuminating means extending longitudinally through the interior of said rail for projecting light outwardly from said rail.
 11. An illuminated snowboard track according to claim 10 wherein said rail is inclined, and a pair of said upright continuous support members on opposite sides of said rail.
 12. An illuminated snowboard track according to claim 10 wherein said illuminating means defined by a plurality of light-emitting tubular elements extending in juxtaposed relation to one another through said rail.
 13. An illuminated snowboard track according to claim 10 wherein said rail is composed of a translucent rigid plastic material and lateral stabilizing means including a base plate extending beneath said support member whereby to maintain said support member and said rail in an upright position.
 14. An illuminated snowboard ramp comprising: a rail including vertically spaced upper and lower inclined plate members; a pair of upright support members on opposite sides of said rail; a base plate beneath said support members; and illuminating means extending longitudinally between said upper and lower inclined plates, said upper plate being composed of a transparent material.
 15. An illuminated snowboard ramp according to claim 14 wherein said illuminating means includes a plurality of light-emitting elongated tubular elements extending between said inclined plates.
 16. An illuminated snowboard ramp according to claim 14 wherein said inclined plates are composed of a rigid plastic material.
 17. An illuminated snowboard ramp according to claim 16 wherein said upper of said inclined plates has a textured riding surface. 